Revelations that government agencies used spy firm Thompson and Clarke to monitor political parties, iwi and activists present a serious test for the Prime Minister, says ACT Leader David Seymour.

“State surveillance is a serious assault on our basic freedoms. New Zealanders have a democratic right to elect representatives to hold the State to account; it doesn’t work if the State can spy on and intimidate those representatives.

“Using private security consultants to spy on law-abiding New Zealanders is an outrage.

“Requiring that state agencies follow the law is what separates a free society like New Zealand from becoming a police state.

“Will the Prime Minister act on this report? Heads need to roll if New Zealanders are to maintain their confidence in the public service.”

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